LeBron James has yet to play a game in his record-breaking 23rd NBA season. The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star continues to recover from a persistent sciatica injury that appeared last month. He recently missed the matchup against the San Antonio Spurs and is expected to remain sidelined for several more weeks.
“Obviously, this thing has to continue to progress with all of his return-to-play protocols. So we don't have, like, a target date. It's just somewhere in that general timeline. We hope that he's kind of checked all the boxes and is going to be back sometime in that second or third week in November.”
JJ Redick, the Lakers’ head coach, emphasized patience as James continues rehabilitation, noting that the team hopes for a mid-November return.
The Lakers will play the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks before meeting the Utah Jazz on November 18. Reports suggest James could make his comeback during that home game.
When LeBron steps back on the court, he will become the first player in NBA history to complete 23 seasons, extending an already unparalleled career. Sources indicate he has maintained consistent individual training and could soon move to full-contact team practices.
LeBron James continues recovering from sciatica, eyeing a mid-November return that could mark his record 23rd NBA season, with the Utah Jazz game looking like the prime target.